...Respect the Power of the Pacific Ocean ...

The California Coast offers many scenic and recreational activities. Waves crashing on a rocky shore, sweeping sandy beaches, shell hunting, fishing, diving, wading and swimming draw us to the shoreline. However, the ocean can be a dangerous place. Realize the awesome power of moving water. A knee-high wave can knock you down.

Before venturing out, know the forecast. Listen for a high surf advisory or warning and for coastal flood watches and warnings. Also, remember to check the tide before you go. Know when the high tide will come so you won’t get trapped. When you first arrive at the beach, take or minute or two to watch the waves. Then, double the largest wave height you see. That so called “rogue wave” will be about the biggest wave that could occur. Face the water while near waves and always keep one eye on the water. Be especially careful when watching children at the beach. Remind children to stay near an adult and keep them within a set area of beach.

If you are pulled into the water, stay calm and call for help by yelling and waving your arms to catch attention on shore. Low water temperatures can quickly sap your strength and numb your body. If you can, swim slowly and steadily to the beach. If you cannot swim, save your strength and wait for help to arrive.

Be aware of rip currents and always swim near a lifeguard, if possible. A rip current is a strong narrow channel of water that flows from the surf zone out to the sea. If the water converges into a narrow river-like channel moving away from shore, a rip current forms. If caught in one, swim parallel to the beach (across the current) until safely out of the rip current.

If someone else goes into the water, stay on the beach and yell to get in contact with the person but do not venture into the water yourself. Call 911 on your cell phone or send someone to call 911 at the nearest phone.

Tsunamis can strike the California coast from either a near-shore or distant earthquake. Depending on the source, a tsunami could reach the coast within minutes or travel many hours before releasing its destructive force. History tells us harbors and other exposed areas have the best chance at being affected, but anyone living along the coast within a tsunami inundation zone should understand the threat and know what action to take when a Tsunami Watch, Warning or Advisory is issued. Please see www.tsunami.gov for more information.

…Snow, sleet, and cold…Are you prepared?...

Strong winter storms are common in California from October through May. The primary hazardous winter weather threat is frozen precipitation, usually in the form of snow. Although snow usually occurs in the higher elevations, snow can fall down to sea level and can cause major travel disruptions. In the mountains, major winter storms can drop several feet of snow in a short period of time, causing major mountain passes to close and strand travelers. The worst conditions are when strong winds accompany heavy snow, creating “whiteout” conditions that bring extremely dangerous conditions for anyone venturing outdoors. In addition to heavy snow, winter storms can also bring freezing rain, sleet, flooding and bitterly cold temperatures.

Winter weather hazards in California result in thousands of motor vehicle accidents each year. Sadly, many of these accidents can be avoided if travelers would use common sense by slowing down and putting their headlights on. Typically, the greatest number of weather related vehicle accidents occur during the first seasonal snowfall of the year as motorists re-acclimate to winter driving conditions.

If you are driving and a snowstorm forces you to pull off the road or if you become stranded in deep snow, stay in your car and wait for help. Run your car's engine for short periods of time to keep warm. Remember to keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow to prevent deadly carbon monoxide fumes from entering the car. Signal rescuers with your interior light at night or a bright cloth on your car during the day. Store emergency supplies in your car such as blankets, an extra change of dry clothes, a flashlight, high-energy snacks and clay cat litter for traction.

During cold weather outbreaks, prolonged exposure to the cold temperatures and over-exertion can be life threatening. Cold weather alone can put an extra strain on the heart and lead to hypothermia. Heavy exertion, like shoveling snow, pushing a car or walking in deep snow, increases the chance for a heart attack or stroke.

Make preparations before the storm arrives by making sure you have enough food and water to survive several days. When a winter storm hits, use common sense and don’t venture out in the storm unless it’s absolutely necessary. If you have to go out, dress warmly with multiple layers of clothes, especially over your hands, feet, and face. Be sure to have the following items available:
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Battery Powered NOAA Weather Radio or AM/FM portable radio
- Extra food and water
- Extra medication and baby supplies
- First-Aid Kit
- Heating fuel
- Emergency heating source
- Fire extinguisher and smoke detector
- Carbon Monoxide Detector (300 people die in the U.S. each year due to Carbon Monoxide Poising)
Cold weather also spells extra hardship for pets and livestock who can suffer from frostbite, exposure, and dehydration. In fact, most animal deaths in winter storms result from dehydration due to the freezing of water sources.

Finally be sure to check on elderly or disabled friends, family, or neighbors to ensure they are prepared for winter storms or are moved to a safe location before it hits.

Winter Driving Safety Tips:

• Have your car(s) winterized before the winter season to keep your car in good condition and decrease your chances of being stranded in cold weather.
• Carry a cell phone or two-way radio, and keep the battery charged…this will allow you to call for help if you do get stranded.
• Keep an ice scraper and snow brush in your car for ice and snow removal.
• Keep a “disaster supply kit” in your car…this could include warm clothes, winter gear, a flashlight, water, and extra food.
• Keep the gas tank full for emergencies and to keep the fuel line from freezing.
• Plan long trips with care…always check the National Weather Service or local media prior to travel to avoid being caught in dangerous weather.
• Pass along your travel itinerary to someone else…therefore, if you do get stranded, they will know where to alert authorities.
• Be aware of any wintry weather that can make travel difficult or hazardous, such as: snow, sleet, freezing rain, freezing drizzle and dense fog.
• If you are caught in a Winter Storm and become stranded:
  • Wait for help! Stay with your vehicle, unless help is clearly visible nearby. Disorientation and confusion come quickly in cold and snowy weather…it’s easy to get lost.
• Display a sign of trouble to let people know you need help.
• Occasionally run the engine to keep it warm, and leave your lights on when the engine is running so you can be seen!
• Do minor exercises to keep up circulation.
• If more than one person is in the car, take turns sleeping…sleepiness can be a sign of hypothermia, and if you are not awakened periodically to increase body temperature, you can freeze to death!
• Huddle together for warmth.
• Layer clothing to trap body heat in order to keep warm.
• Keep a window that is away from the blowing wind slightly open to let fresh air in.

The most important thing you can do before venturing out during the winter months is to know the weather forecast. The weather can change rapidly and conditions can deteriorate in minutes. For the latest weather forecasts, visit the National Weather Service at http://www.weather.gov or listen to NOAA Weather Radio for updated weather information or conditions.